The Way Forward

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3 March, 2019Pastor Mark SchultzWaypoints

Living Out Loud
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It's heard in changerooms, on courts and grounds of all major sports - "The best defence is a good offense." If you score more points, tries and goals than your opposition, then you will win. Jesus takes that saying to a whole new level when it comes to advancing the cause of the Gospel. For Jesus it isn't about winning or losing, but about mercy, grace and living in imitation of the Father who gives life and joy and shows compassion even to those who don't deserve it. In a world that is all too ready to win at any cost, Jesus shows a way forward that gives life, breathes hope, multiplies joy and advances his kingdom locally and globally in a way that is radically countercultural.

BIBLE VERSE

Luke 6:27-36

THEME VERSE: 

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36 

REMEMBER THIS WEEK:

When the mercy and compassion of Jesus, is lived out through our lives, we see the gospel transforming lives, communities and the world like never before.  Grudges are transformed by grace, fractured relationships are restored through forgiveness and hard hearts are broken open by love. And the Lord adds daily in the Book of Life, the names of those being saved. 

Bible Reading

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

More from 'Waypoints'

The Way of Growth

24 February, 2019 Pastor Mark Schultz

MRI, CT Scan, blood tests, bone density scan, mammogram, dental exam, x-ray, angiogram, ultrasound. From the simple bathroom scale and a tape measure to medical equipment costing millions of dollars, we can physically assess, diagnose, prescribe, and treat almost every part of the human body. But there is no scan, swab or scope for your soul. We can’t make an appointment and have someone probe, poke or pry and determine the condition of our spirit. But like all things living, even there you are either growing/thriving or withering/dying. So at this week's waypoint we are going to look at the way of growth and explore some outside indicators that reveal an inner spiritual health.

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THEME VERSE:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

REMEMBER THIS WEEK:

The way of growth is a call to each of us as individuals but also as a community. The body of Christ grows when its members are well nourished in the word and bound together in Christ; it leads to a life that overflows with thankfulness and grace.

FAITH TALK:

1. Rate your physical fitness 1-10 - 1awful 10 ready for a marathon. How did you determine that? To improve?

2. What “data” would you use to rate your spiritual fitness? What would you currently score?

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The Way of Mission

17 February, 2019 Pastor Mark Simpfendorfer

You can tell a lot about the purpose of a trip or the nature of an event by the invitation and the list of instructions given.

1. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen (outdoors activity)

2. Dress is business casual (social event for work)

3. Bring a Bible, sleeping bag and a torch (church or youth camp)

4. Bring a salad or dessert to share (church potluck)

5. In lieu of flowers please send donations to... (funeral)

Today Jesus' invitation and instructions clue us in to the purpose of the Kingdom trip he is sending us on. It's an urgent trip that will challenge and confront but it comes with a promise that will sustain us in all circumstances. So today we pack our faith and our courage and get ready to embark on 'The Way of Mission.

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THEME VERSE:

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

REMEMBER THIS WEEK:

In the way of mission , the question is not what you need for the journey, but who you need. It's Jesus and the community of faith. For when we are on the way of mission, his mission, we are never, ever alone.

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The Way of Life

10 February, 2019 Matthew Andrew

‘Whatever it takes…’. Three little words that embody a strength, a commitment and passion. Three little words that will not be pushed aside when the obstacles become too large or the challenges too great. Three little words that we are reminded of again today as Jesus shows us the unexpected, life transforming ‘whatever it takes’ that both surprises us and enables us to live fully. Three little words that lead to a healing, restoration and a fullness of life that goes way beyond what is expected. Today we explore ‘The way of life’ that God has envisioned for us as his people.

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THEME VERSE:

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

Living fully is only possible when you receive three little words - love, grace and forgiveness - spoken to you from the cross. It creates faith that is active, persistent, creative and sacrificial; a faith that enables you to do whatever it takes to bring people into the presence of Jesus.

READING

Luke 5:17-26

FAITH TALK:

1. Finish the sentence: “My life would be so much better if______________”

2. Share a time when someone did somethng for you that was more than you ever expected. How did it make you feel?

3. Who is someone you would do 'whatever it takes' for? Why them?

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The Way

3 February, 2019 Pastor Mark Schultz

Waypoints are a part of our life. To varying degrees we all have them. For some they are called a "Bucket list" - things that we want to do and tick off before we die. For others, they are life goals - markers along the way that signal we are on the right path, whether relationally, financially, spiritually or career wise. But the only way we can punch in the waypoints for the journey ahead, is to know our starting point and the destination that we are heading to. So as we launch into a new season of ministry, it’s time to check our bearings, be clear about the vision God has called us to, so that we can continue the journey with confidence and boldness in the Way he has shown us.

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THEME VERSE:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

The beginning, the waypoint and the goal of life is Jesus!

READINGS

1 Corinthians 2:1-10

Luke 6:17-23

FAITH TALK:

1. Share a time when you got lost or lost your way. What happened?

2. What are some things that help you keep your life “on track?”

3. As you look back on your life, what have been key waypoints for you in your walk with Jesus?

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